Print this page

CarComplaints.com Notes: With questionable safety ratings, a faulty power control module (PCM) and a rear subframe that can rust out, the first model year Escape is known for problems. But the worst one of all? A design flaw that carried through multiple model years and caused dangerous unintended acceleration.

A lack of clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector meant the throttle could get stick open when the accelerator was fully depressed. Following a petition from the Center for Auto Safety, NHTSA opened an investigation and eventually issued a recall to fix the sticky throttles in the 2001–2004 model years.

Even with the throttles fixed, the 2001 model year could still have trouble stopping due to multiple problems with leaking brakes.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
0 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2001 Ford Escape fuel system problems

fuel system problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2001 Ford Escape:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2001 Ford Escape Owner Comments

problem #1

Jan 022003

Escape

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle engine revs/searches/hunts, while driving steady and maintaining a constant speed on a level road, going down or up a hill and the accelerator is not being played with. Intermittently vehicle handling seems to lose the power assist - turning all of the sudden requires more muscle effort - and handling gets very stiff. SUV has stalled 5 times already and dealer still unable to correct the problem. Every time - I lost the steering, the brakes, the accelerator and the electrical systems. Escape is a very scary and dangerous SUV - unable to predict when it will stall or when it will suddenly accelerate (I don't dare use the cruise control).

- Port Washington, NY, USA

Not what you are looking for?